Genre Guide: Urban Fantasy for Teens

Published June 26, 2013

Definition
Urban fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy. For a novel to be an urban fantasy, fantastical elements exist in an urban setting. However, this can be a broad interpretation. Really, an urban fantasy is such where fantastical elements are in play in a real-world setting and not in a fantastical world. Urban fantasies occur in the present day, and can go back in history to around the start of the Victorian Era. When urban fantasies are written for teens, the protagonist or protagonists are often inexperienced when it comes to dealing with the fantastical forces at play. They are also usually drawn into a struggle, find romance, and/or develop their own fantastical abilities.

Characteristics
Main characters are often drawn into a struggle with fantastical creatures or elements. In these conflicts the protagonists often find new friends on either side (human or creature), and they usually find love (again, with either human or creature). Protagonists may also either develop powers of their own or hold a secret key or power that can resolve the conflict. A common theme of urban fantasies is that the main character is “the one” or “the chosen.” Another common theme is that the main character is a halfling (half human, half fantastical creature) or has a bloodline that has been mixed with that of a fantastical creature. This allows them special abilities and/or gives them the key to the conflict resolution. Additionally, the fantastical creatures that are present in urban fantasies are often in our world but are disguised or can’t be seen in their true form unless a human has special abilities.

Appeal
Urban fantasies allow for fantastical elements to exist in our world. A teen could put themselves in the place of the protagonist and have an easier time relating to the character than in other novels set in a completely fantastical world. The idea that the protagonist is usually different or even not entirely human appeals to teens as they search to define who they are. Action and adventure, and oftentimes romance, are usually guaranteed in urban fantasies.

Readers
A wide range, depending on the themes of the book.

Trends
Urban fantasy found its footing with teens when fairies and vampires were all the rage about five years ago. Most recently, angels have been the most popular creatures in urban fantasies. An interesting trend to watch is that of myths coming into play in urban fantasies. Greek myths have been popular in the past, but some authors are currently using other cultural myths and settings them in our world in the present day (Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Boys, for example).